Senior Commercial Manager

Job summary

As part of the NCA’s Commercial Function, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Agency’s mission to protect the public from serious and organised crime. Working at the centre of the organisation, you will partner with operational and corporate teams to provide high‑quality commercial expertise across policy development, strategic planning, sourcing, and contract management.

These roles sit within the NCA’s multi‑year commercial transformation programme, offering a rare opportunity to shape how the Agency procures critical goods and services that enable frontline operations. You will gain significant exposure to complex commercial activity, high‑value portfolios, and senior stakeholders - experience that is difficult to match elsewhere in the Civil Service.

Please note that the role may involve occasional travel to other NCA sites and partner locations.

Job description

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will provide strategic commercial leadership across the full procurement and contract management lifecycle. You will shape and deliver robust commercial strategies, ensure compliance with government procurement regulations, and drive value for money through effective market engagement, sourcing, negotiation and supplier management.

You will lead complex, high‑risk and high‑value procurements, oversee critical commercial activity across your portfolio, and provide expert guidance to commercial colleagues. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will influence commercial decisions, manage competing priorities, and ensure commercial outcomes support organisational objectives.

This role requires exceptional commercial judgement, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining a high‑quality, compliant and strategically aligned commercial service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic commercial approaches across your portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and government commercial policy.
• Provide authoritative commercial advice to senior stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions and shaping commercial direction at programme and organisational level.
• Identify opportunities to improve commercial outcomes, strengthen competition, and deliver sustainable value for money across high‑value and high‑risk procurements.

Procurement Delivery & Governance

• Oversee complex, high‑risk and high‑value procurements, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks and delivering high‑quality commercial documentation and recommendations.
• Lead key stages of the sourcing process, including market engagement, commercial modelling, negotiation strategies, and the development of robust governance cases.
• Ensure commercial activity is subject to appropriate assurance and is delivered to a consistently high standard across the team.

Contract & Supplier Management

• Provide senior‑level oversight of major contracts, ensuring effective performance management, risk control, financial monitoring and delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Lead strategic supplier engagement, supporting the development of effective partnerships, resolving complex commercial issues, and identifying opportunities for optimisation and innovation.
• Ensure that contract management practices are compliant, proactive and consistently applied across the portfolio.

Stakeholder Management & Customer Engagement

• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, programme leads and delivery partners, ensuring commercial considerations inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Communicate complex commercial issues clearly, providing balanced, evidence‑based advice to support informed decision‑making.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple programmes, balancing commercial, financial, operational and legal considerations.

Commercial Capability & Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching and oversight to commercial colleagues, supporting capability development across the function.
• Champion best practice in procurement and contract management, actively driving improvements in processes, standards and commercial governance.
• Act as a role model for professional commercial behaviours, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and high‑quality service delivery.

Person specification

The below expected skills and behaviours are aligned to the Government Commercial Function (GCF) People Standards for the Profession - People standards for the commercial profession - GOV.UK

Stakeholder Management

• Builds strong, credible relationships with senior stakeholders, communicating with clarity, confidence and impact.
• Clearly articulates commercial motivations, constraints and expected behaviours across stakeholder groups, suppliers and delivery partners.
• Engages the right stakeholders early in the process, maintaining constructive engagement and alignment throughout commercial activity.
• Explains complex commercial, technical or market issues to non‑specialists in a clear and accessible way, ensuring understanding, buy‑in and commitment to commercial plans.
• Promotes and enforces high ethical standards across supply chains, actively addressing risks of fraud, corruption or unethical behaviour and taking appropriate action where concerns arise.
• Is a trusted source of commercial advice, able to influence senior decision‑makers using evidence‑based reasoning.

Commercial Experience

• Proven experience leading complex and high‑value procurements, applying strong commercial judgement and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of category management, including developing category strategies, analysing markets and identifying opportunities for improved value and performance.
• Strong track record of managing teams or leading others in delivering commercial activity, providing oversight, direction and expert challenge.
• Identifies and resolves commercial issues even when data is incomplete or ambiguous, using professional judgement and structured analysis.
• Understands and balances key trade‑offs across cost, risk, performance, delivery confidence and operational need.
• Leads commercial activity that secures demonstrable value for money through effective competition, negotiation, contract management and supplier collaboration.

Business Acumen

• Applies commercial principles confidently within public procurement and contract law, understanding the legal context for decisions and actions.
• Identifies legal or compliance implications in commercial activity and works effectively with legal and policy experts to address complex issues.
• Understands commercial drivers, category‑specific markets and broader organisational priorities, ensuring commercial strategies are well‑aligned.
• Brings a flexible mindset and skillset, able to work effectively across any Commercial team at this grade, adapting quickly to new subject matter and priorities.

Risk Management

• Analyses commercial and contract risks comprehensively, understanding assumptions, margins of error and potential impacts on delivery, value and compliance.
• Uses evidence, market insight and structured analysis to inform recommendations, clearly articulating key risks, mitigations and alternative options.
• Embeds proactive risk management across procurement and contract management activity, ensuring controls are appropriate, proportionate and routinely applied.

Decision Making

• Evaluates evidence objectively, weighing the strengths and limitations of different options to reach well‑reasoned, defensible conclusions.
• Influences internal decisions through clear, evidence‑based commercial analysis and persuasive recommendations.
• Leads constructive supplier discussions on technical matters, commercial terms and contractual issues, using judgement to secure positive, compliant and value‑focused outcomes.

Leadership

• Demonstrates resilience and composure when resolving issues, supporting the team through challenges and maintaining progress on complex commercial activity.
• Provides leadership and direction to commercial teams, building confidence and capability through coaching, feedback and knowledge sharing.
• Implements and embeds change at team or portfolio level, working collaboratively with affected parties to identify and overcome challenges.
• Adapts communication style and leadership approach to suit different audiences, contexts and environments.
• Understands team strengths, skill gaps and career aspirations, actively supporting professional development and succession planning.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and resource sharing within the commercial function.

Desirable Criteria

Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.CIPS/ MCIPS or relevant Commercial qualification and experience.Virtual Open Evening Event

To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding virtual opening evenings via MS Teams on Monday 23rd March at 6pm.

This event is by invitation only.

To register, please click on the following link Virtual Event registration - Commercial - Monday 23rd March 2026 – Fill in form.

You will be asked for your name and email address.

Registration will close on 22nd March at 23:45.

You will not be able to register after this date and time.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Evidence of influencing key stakeholders towards commercial solutions
• Evidence of leading and securing value for money

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £67,609, National Crime Agency contributes £19,586 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How we will assess you

Your application will be assessed against the following:Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• Evidence of influencing key stakeholders towards commercial solutions

• Evidence of leading and securing value for money

Experience - This will be assessed:

CV

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please provide a CV that clearly demonstrates your experience in leading complex and high‑value procurements, managing major contracts, delivering category‑level commercial strategies and influencing senior stakeholders.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

Longlist

In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.

- Evidence of influencing key stakeholders towards commercial solutions .

Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Additional assessment methods used alongside InterviewAs part of the assessment process In-Tray exercise will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:A short in‑tray task assessing all the technical criteria listed. Details will be provided to successful candidates from sift.

This will be conducted at the beginning of the interview.

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing

• Making Effective Decisions

• Managing a Quality Service

Technical

• Evidence of influencing key stakeholders towards commercial solutions

• Evidence of leading and securing value for money

Assessment OutcomeOutcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

1. Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
2. If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
3. If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying VettingIndividuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.

Occupational Health

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

Multi Location

Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order per location.

Indicate your preferences clearly; you may be posted to any preferred location. If you decline a post at a location you selected, another offer may not be made.

Only advertised locations are available, any notes added to the application will not be considered.

Near Miss

If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.

Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.

All offers are made based on merit.

Hybrid Working

The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.

Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.

For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme , Civil Service Careers.

Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Further information

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.